The Master Shipbuilder
The 'Master' shipbuilder was Philemon Ewer (19 July 1702 - 13 December 1750). He was a timber merchant and builder of small boats but gained an opportunity through the outbreak of the 'War of Jenkins' Ear' to build Men of War for the British government in 1739.
He also had a shipyard in East Cowes on the Isle of Wight.
He was buried at St Leonards in Bursledon on 16 December 1750 and has an elaborate memorial which records:
In Memory of MR PHILEMON EWER, who died the 13th day of December A.D. 1750 aged 49 Years. During the late war with France & Spain He build Seven large Ships of war for His Majesty's Service. In the Execution of that important Trust He gained, and deserved, the Reputation of an ingenious Artist and excellent workman and an honest Man. All his Undertakings were crowned with Success, And all his Industry justly rewarded With a fair Character & a plentiful Fortune; The first of which he left for ye Imitation The second for the Support & Enjoyment Of his numerous Family; who in Gratitude erected This Monument A:D: 1754
His seven ships were:
| Ship | Type | Armament | Launched | Shipyard | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HMS Falkland | Fourth Rate | 48-gun | 1744 | Bursledon | This was a rebuild of the first ever ship built in North America in 1696 |
| HMS Lizard | Sloop | 14-gun | 1744 | Bursledon | |
| HMS Ruby | Fourth Rate | 50-gun | 1745 | Bursledon | |
| HMS Salisbury | Fourth Rate | 44-gun | 1746 | East Cowes | James Lind carried out his famous experiments on scurvy on this ship in 1747 |
| HMS Fox | Sixth Rate | 24-gun | 1746 | Bursledon | |
| HMS Anson | Fourth Rate | 60-gun | 1747 | Bursledon | |
| HMS Vanguard | Third Rate | 70-gun | 1748 | East Cowes | Took part in the captures of Louisburg, Quebec and Martinique |
He also built a large house in the village from the proceeds. It was called 'Elm Lodge' at the time but is now known as 'Greyladyes' and is home to the 'Greyladyes Arts Foundation' Google Maps Link.
There is also an 18th century house called 'Ewers' on Lands End Road in Bursledon that was owned by the family. Google Maps link
Read more about this topic: Philemon Ewer
Famous quotes containing the word master:
“When I was bound apprentice, in famous Lincolnshire,
Full well I served my master for more than seven year,
Till I took up poaching, as you shall quickly hear:
Oh, ‘tis my delight on a shining night, in the season of the year.”
—Unknown. The Lincolnshire Poacher (l. 1–4)